Return of the Cafe Racers

Rolling Icon: Jerem Motorcycle Ducati Monster 821

Geoff Baldwin — Wed, 31 Jul 2024 06:55:28 +0000

The Ducati Monster 821, introduced in 2014, is part of the iconic Monster family that revolutionized the naked bike segment. This custom iteration of that same model is the work of French builder Jérémie Duchampt, aka Jerem Motorcycles. Sporting drastically revised proportions and a vibrant new color scheme it’s a far cry from Miguel Galluzzi’s original vision yet this custom Monster demands just as much attention. The 821 was hailed as the user-friendly Ducati Monster. Powered by the same 8-valve […]

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A Sportier Racer: Angry Lane Moto Guzzi V7 Cafe Racer

Geoff Baldwin — Sun, 28 Jul 2024 03:57:55 +0000

This timeless Guzzi cafe racer is the result of a commissioned project by the custom motorcycle workshop and lifestyle brand, Angry Lane. Founded by French brothers Guillaume and Ben Barras in 2012, Angry Lane has become the epicenter of Hong Kong’s custom motorcycle scene. Built for one of the workshop’s long-term customers, he was confident the brothers could once again work their magic on his 2013 V7 Racer, and they didn’t disappoint. The V7 Racer has a history rooted in […]

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Smooth & Delicate: Tamarit Thruxton ‘Black Dragon’

Geoff Baldwin — Sat, 20 Jul 2024 22:12:42 +0000

Spanish workshop Tamarit Motorcycles has added yet another thoroughbred to their 170-strong stable, the ‘Black Dragon’. This heavily redesigned Triumph Thruxton 900 is a commissioned project for an American ex-pat living in Scotland. Inspired by the motorcycle’s future home, Tamarit’s designers envisaged a bike with characteristics akin to Scotch whisky, smooth and delicate, and distinct character. Triumph created the Thruxton 900 to capture the nostalgia of a golden age of speed and style. Powered by an air and oil-cooled carbureted […]

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New Beginning: L’Etabli d’Eddy Suzuki DR 600

Geoff Baldwin — Thu, 18 Jul 2024 05:56:01 +0000

The groundbreaking Suzuki DR 600, first introduced in the mid-1980s, became known as a reliable and versatile dual-sport motorcycle. Equipped with an air-cooled, single-cylinder, kickstart engine, it offered the perfect balance of power and simplicity, making it a favorite among adventure tourers and enduro riders. Its no-nonsense engineering and minimal electronics also made it an ideal candidate for customization and modifications. The DR’s legacy of adaptability and resilience has set the stage for many custom builds, including this impressive transformation […]

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5 Cafe Racer Motorcycles for 2024

Marco Tam — Thu, 18 Jul 2024 00:22:24 +0000

It’s a fact: cafe racers are here to stay. While there is debate as to whether or not factory-built cafe racers are actually cafe racers, this style of motorcycle has continued to captivate enthusiasts all over the world for its aesthetic design, especially for those who revel in the journey and challenges of building their very own cafe racer. Building Your Own vs Buying Building (or buying) a cafe racer is an exciting journey, but before you take that first […]

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Leather Skin Shop: Top 5 Custom Leather Jackets You’ll Love

Marco Tam — Tue, 09 Jul 2024 04:05:15 +0000

We Choose Our Top 5 Fashionable Custom Jackets When it comes to fashion, a leather jacket is a timeless staple that exudes confidence and style. Leather Skin Shop offers a stunning collection of custom leather jackets that are perfect for making a fashion statement. Motorcycle apparel companies such as REV’IT! and Dainese are top players in protective equipment and come with CE-certified protection, but sometimes you just need a biker-style jacket to rock out for a night on the town […]

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Gear Review: Rhinowalk Universal Waterproof Motorcycle Panniers

Geoff Baldwin — Sun, 30 Jun 2024 13:50:08 +0000

I’ve sat on the fence about buying dedicated motorcycle luggage for years. I’ll be the first to admit I’m no adventure tourer or even a frequent motorcycle holiday traveler, but every year I go on at least 2 or 3 big rides that require me to carry luggage. In the past, I’ve resorted to carrying my belongings on my back in a motorcycle backpack, but thanks to an old injury that has always ended with unpleasant back and neck pain. […]

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Return to the Street: Sheriff Motorcycles Moto Guzzi LeMans 1000

Geoff Baldwin — Sat, 29 Jun 2024 13:55:42 +0000

The allure of vintage motorcycles lies in their storied past. Often those stories began on the race track where a motorcycle proved its worth on the podium. One example of such a motorcycle is the Moto Guzzi Le Mans. The Moto Guzzi Le Mans series began in 1976 after Dutch road racer Jan Kampden developed an 810cc version of Moto Guzzi’s v-twin engine. Kampden built the engine with advice from legendary Moto Guzzi engineer Lino Tonti and used it in […]

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アキラ AKIRA: 13 Lucky Monkey CFMoto XO Papio Kaneda

Geoff Baldwin — Sun, 16 Jun 2024 14:22:33 +0000

Chinese manufacturer CFMoto has rapidly expanded its 2 wheel offering over the past decade. In addition to the throng of new models, the brand has worked hard to abolish any concerns about the quality of its products. A testament to this fact is CFMoto’s partnership with KTM and the uptake of their motorcycles by China’s police force. Surprisingly, despite all this, CFMoto has remained affordable and its current range features some of the best bang-for-buck motorcycles on the market. The […]

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Hell Hound: K-Speed Dustbin Honda DAX 125

Geoff Baldwin — Thu, 06 Jun 2024 14:04:53 +0000

Eak Tanadit, the owner and lead designer at Bangkok’s K-Speed workshop, is arguably one of the best modifiers of small-capacity motorcycles the world over. His custom creations have graced the pages of countless websites (including this one) and their popularity has allowed him to expand his business internationally. In 2018 Honda approached Eak to modify their newly released C110 Super Cub which is conveniently built in Thailand. The resulting bike, coined ‘Tokyo Street’ kickstarted an ongoing relationship that has seen […]

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Classic Revival: Blackout Customs BMW K100RS

Geoff Baldwin — Thu, 30 May 2024 05:55:35 +0000

There’s something undeniably magical about the classics. In the early eighties, BMW released its K100RS. The landmark sport tourer was powered by the manufacturer’s inline 4 ‘brick’ motor and benefitted from a raft of engineering updates that greatly improved performance and ease of servicing. It wasn’t without flaws, but these could easily be overlooked once time was spent in the saddle. Today the BMW K100RS can still hold its own and for those wanting a ride with style and substance […]

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Pure Cafe: Ducati Scrambler CR24I Concept

Geoff Baldwin — Sat, 25 May 2024 14:27:23 +0000

Since its release in 2015, the Ducati Scrambler has been a resounding success for the Italian marque. When it went on sale the Scrambler came in 7 different styles, all powered by an 803cc v-twin mounted in an iconic Ducati trellis frame. Since then the range has seen several revisions with the latest ‘Next-Gen Freedom Scrambler’ boasting a raft of performance and tech updates. Over the past 14 years of production, Ducati has also offered punters several Scrambler model variants. […]

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Healthy Obsession: Jaron Hall’s Ducati 996 Cafe Racer

Geoff Baldwin — Mon, 20 May 2024 15:52:55 +0000

Yamaha’s release of the 2007 R6 gave birth to an obsession that led Jaron Hall deep down the rabbit hole of motorcycle customization. “At age 17, I wrote my parents a letter to pitch my case about why they should let me buy a motorcycle. Surprisingly, it did the trick and they let me purchase a 2008 Ninja 250 before I was 18.” he recalls. Inspired by his time working on classic cars with his grandfather, Jaron wasted no time […]

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What To Consider Before Buying A Cafe Racer Motorcycle

Marco Tam — Fri, 17 May 2024 16:58:20 +0000

So you want to join the ranks and buy yourself a cafe racer. I can hear it already: “What? You’re not building your own?” Building a cafe racer isn’t for everyone. It takes time, patience, and most importantly, skill in order to build a truly custom cafe racer motorcycle. Sometimes it’s easier to peruse another enthusiast’s properly built project and make it your own. You love the look, you’ve looked through listings, and it’s time to make a decision. However, […]

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15 Years Strong: Thor Drake’s One Moto Show

Geoff Baldwin — Thu, 16 May 2024 06:29:26 +0000

For 15 years now Thor Drake, owner-operator of See See Motorcycles in Portland, OR, has been hosting the venerable One Moto Show. By all accounts, the 2024 edition of the custom motorcycle-centric festival was a huge success attracting some of the biggest crowds since its inception in 2009. Today we’re sitting down with Thor to learn a bit about the man, the evolution of the event, and what the future has in store for the One Moto Show. “The One […]

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In For a Penny: The Hot Rod Shop Honda CB750 cafe racer

Geoff Baldwin — Tue, 30 Apr 2024 16:06:42 +0000

Jeremy Bumpus owns ‘The Hot Rod Shop’ in Corinth, Mississippi, and co-hosts Motortrend’s CarFix series. Alongside fellow host Bryan Fuller of Fuller Moto, they demonstrate how their workshops build amazing vehicles for their clients. Along with a busy shooting schedule at any one time, there are around 20 builds on the go at The Hot Rod Shop. It’s fair to say Jeremy doesn’t get much time to put toward personal projects. Over the past 2 years though, he’s managed to […]

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Diesel Motorcycles: Why Aren’t They More Popular?

Marco Tam — Mon, 29 Apr 2024 15:42:23 +0000

Diesel motorcycles are relatively rare compared to their gasoline counterparts, but they do exist and offer some unique advantages and disadvantages. Despite their unique characteristics, diesel motorcycles have not gained widespread popularity primarily due to their performance limitations and the growing focus on electric alternatives. However, for certain applications, especially in military or adventure contexts, they remain a valuable option. Advantages of Diesel Motorcycles Fuel Efficiency Diesel engines generally provide better fuel efficiency than gasoline engines. This means diesel motorcycles […]

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Adrenal Trigger: 2024 MV Agusta Rush Mamba

Geoff Baldwin — Mon, 29 Apr 2024 04:10:39 +0000

When it comes to motorcycles that pack a punch and look good doing it, one name always comes to mind, MV Agusta. The Italian manufacturer is well-known for its stunning motorcycles and their latest offering, the 2024 MV Agusta Rush Mamba Edition, is no exception. Devoid of fairings and sporting an exclusive red and black livery with gold accents the Rush Mamba is the epitome of hyper-naked style. It’s the kind of motorcycle that will never fail to turn heads, […]

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Riding Gear Review: Biltwell Gringo SV Helmet

Geoff Baldwin — Wed, 24 Apr 2024 08:40:58 +0000

Early in their manufacturing journey, Biltwell helmets were more form than function. Things have come a long way since then though. Today Biltwell helmets boast both DOT and ECE certifications. Best of all, they have maintained the same classic styling as the original designs and as a result, they offer some of the best-looking homologated helmets on the market. Among Biltwell’s latest riding gear, you’ll find the Gringo SV, a thoroughly updated and feature-packed evolution of their uber-successful full-face Gringo […]

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Love It or Hate It: It Rocks! Bikes BMW K1 ‘Limbo’

Geoff Baldwin — Thu, 11 Apr 2024 11:01:47 +0000

When it debuted, the BMW K1 was Marmite for motorcyclists. They either loved it or hated it. The radical sports tourer roared onto the scene in 1988 with the subtlety of a kick to the groin. It was BMW’s embodiment of the future, right down to its bold livery, styling, and affinity for plastic. It was unlike anything anyone had expected from the Germans. Based on the innovative K100 inline four-cylinder engine, the K1 was as much a statement as […]

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Common Misconceptions About Cafe Racers

Marco Tam — Fri, 05 Apr 2024 01:19:26 +0000

Cafe racers are a distinctive style of motorcycles that emerged in the 1950s and 1960s in Britain. Born out of a desire for speed and style, these bikes were typically modified from standard production motorcycles, stripped down for lightweight, and fitted with low-mounted handlebars, elongated fuel tanks, and rear-set foot pegs for a more aggressive riding position. Courtesy: london.acecafe.com Today, cafe racer culture endures as a blend of vintage aesthetics and modern performance, with enthusiasts worldwide continuing to build and […]

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Riding Gear Review: Trip Machine Moc-Toe Boots

Geoff Baldwin — Mon, 01 Apr 2024 08:58:58 +0000

Indian riding gear manufacturer Trip Machine Co. entered the scene a few years back with a modest range of stylish leather luggage. Since then they’ve expanded their offering tenfold to offer a wide range of leather-based products. Amongst them is the brand’s new range of riding boots. On a recent trip to India, I met the Trip Machine team and was impressed with what I saw. On the back of that encounter, I secured a pair of their Moc-Toe riding […]

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Double the Fun: 2024 Husqvarna Svartpilen 801

Geoff Baldwin — Wed, 27 Mar 2024 17:17:30 +0000

We’ve been huge fans of Husqvarna’s naked street bikes, the Vitpilen and Svartpilen, since their release in 2018. The unapologetically futuristic-looking motorcycles were developed in conjunction with Austrian design firm Kiska and were a welcome change from the stagnant designs on offer from other manufacturers. Now, 6 years after their first appearance, Husqvarna has unveiled the biggest change to their naked series both in design and engineering. Although it shares the first half of its name with a previous model, […]

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Evolution of Devolution?: Kawasaki Z900RS VS Kawasaki Z900

Geoff Baldwin — Sun, 17 Mar 2024 04:48:26 +0000

Motorcyclists like to moan about everything. And the quickest way to start some premium groaning is to sell us a naked bike that’s been detuned. Because it’s downright aggravating when a manufacturer decrees that because you don’t want a race replica bike, you don’t want race replica performance.  The CB900 Hornet? Castrated CBR. The FZR? An R1 midway through a course of HRT. For the first time in history, ‘naked’ means ‘less exciting’. Manufacturers find it cheaper to build naked bikes from […]

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Sweet Single: Candy Motorcycle Laboratory SR400

Geoff Baldwin — Sun, 10 Mar 2024 15:10:21 +0000

Yamaha’s beloved SR400 may have ceased production back in 2021, but it remains a hot favorite amongst custom builders in Japan. First released in 1978, the “easy to use” SR400 was an instant hit. Upon releasing the model Yamaha designer Atsushi Ishiyama credited the XS650 as a major influence on the design. That bike was influenced by British motorcycles of the sixties so the SR inherited timeless classic styling. The bike’s single-cylinder 400cc engine also complied with cheaper JDM small […]

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Riding Gear: Akin Moto x Gorm Taube Anorak

Geoff Baldwin — Wed, 28 Feb 2024 03:29:19 +0000

With wetter weather coming soon to the southern hemisphere, I’ve started my annual search for seasonally appropriate riding gear. Like many riders, I’ve already invested in a decent riding jacket so the idea of buying a second for a few rides in the wet feels excessive. This is when wet weather gear designed for layering comes in. Unfortunately, a large portion of rain gear looks ungainly and is far from fashionable. Recognising this issue Max Duff of Aussie riding gear outfit […]

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Celebrating Success: Norton Motorcycles V4CR 588 LE

Geoff Baldwin — Mon, 26 Feb 2024 12:24:04 +0000

There’s no denying that Norton Motorcycles has had a troubled past. From insolvencies to multiple ownership changes, and who can forget Stuart Garner’s recent appalling management of the brand? But thankfully, things are finally starting to look up for the iconic British marque. Norton is now nestled snuggly under the wing of Indian automotive giant TVS Motor Company and its future is finally looking bright. After acquiring the Norton brand TVS has dedicated itself to securing its future with a […]

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Katros Garage Honda CB400

Geoff Baldwin — Wed, 21 Feb 2024 02:47:30 +0000

By the early 2000s Honda had diluted its once iconic CB series so much that any connection to the original CB750 was all but gone. Following suit with just about every other brand, the Japanese manufacturer had jumped on the naked bike trend that Ducati spearheaded with the Monster in 1993. By 2004 though the CBs had become yet another staid-looking, run-of-the-mill sport naked. During the early thousands CBs had been subjected to a “little in the middle but got […]

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Crowning Glory: Marian’s street legal Norton MkII Commando Seeley

Geoff Baldwin — Tue, 13 Feb 2024 15:41:50 +0000

New York based, fashion and beauty photographer Marian Sell loves a good side project. He cut his teeth with two-wheeled engineering growing up in Germany. Tinkering on the Vespas and Lambrettas he and his friends terrorized local streets on. Decades later he’s still tinkering on motorcycles in his spare time, but his latest project is his crowning glory. Building a Norton street racer has been a long-time desire of Marian’s and he’d even attempted one in the past, but this […]

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Riding Gear Review: Saint Road Gloves

Geoff Baldwin — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 13:04:55 +0000

The riding gear in Saint’s catalog consistently blurs the lines between form and function. Despite being highly functional motorcyclist apparel, their jeans and jackets can easily pass for streetwear. But from the look of their latest release, times may be changing. These are the new Saint Road Gloves, a no-nonsense motorcycling glove that won’t pull any punches when protecting your precious digits. Although slick in their styling Saint has taken a more traditional sports bike design approach with the Road […]

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Bike Of The Day: 1990 Honda GB500TT Cafe Racer

Mark Capayas — Sun, 28 Jan 2024 21:28:13 +0000

The 1990 GB500 was Honda’s first retro bike and it marked a pivotal shift in both car and motorcycle design, resurrecting the styles abandoned by Japanese manufacturers. Despite the irony, the Tourist Trophy was a formidable motorcycle, featuring a 500cc OHC single-cylinder engine derived from the XL600 dirt-bike, reaching 108 MPH. Mimicking the aesthetics of 1950s and ’60s British racing motorcycles like the Velocette Thruxton, it sported a black-and-gold paint scheme, clip-on handlebars, and a humped racing seat, embodying a […]

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Bike Of The Day: 1972 Honda CB750 K2 Cafe Racer

Mark Capayas — Thu, 25 Jan 2024 20:03:45 +0000

The cafe racer you see here was built over a four-year period by Wisconsin Honda specialist Jeff Stephens at Godffery’s Garage in Burlington, Wisconsin. It stands as a testament to Stephens’ skill and the adaptability of the CB750 platform. Originally a 1972 CB750K2, this bike pays homage to the cafe conversions popular in Europe during the 1970s and ’80s. Beyond mere cosmetic changes, almost every component has been enhanced, updated, and refined for optimal performance. The engine underwent a transformation, […]

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Bike Of The Day: 1979 Honda CB750F Custom

Mark Capayas — Wed, 24 Jan 2024 20:09:43 +0000

This custom-built motorcycle is a testament to high-level craftsmanship and attention to detail, showcasing a fusion of classic design and modern performance enhancements. The distinctive hand-built fiberglass tail section and seat pan, utilizing a stock CB750F rear cowl as a mold, exemplify the dedication to bespoke craftsmanship. Its eye-catching Mini Cooper Pepper White paint, adorned with 1979 CB750F-style decals from CBdecals.com, was expertly applied by Miller and Son Collision in Alden, New York. The seat, boasting color-stitched details and a […]

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Bike Of The Day: 2021 Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 ‘Spitfire’

Mark Capayas — Tue, 23 Jan 2024 18:10:45 +0000

Introducing the ‘Spitfire,’ a custom masterpiece crafted from the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 – 2021, a platform as agile as a dancer, designed for the soul of a cafe racer. This exceptional two-wheeled creation emerged from numerous sketches, each stroke on paper striving to capture the essence of the perfect cafe racer. The custom heat-resistant brass paintwork on the engine goes beyond being a mere coat; it’s a proclamation that rises above the ordinary, ensuring the Spitfire always commands attention. […]

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Bike Of The Day: 1966 Norton Atlas 750 Café Racer

Mark Capayas — Mon, 22 Jan 2024 19:55:21 +0000

The Norton 750cc Atlas, unveiled in 1962, marked the evolution of the capacity/horsepower race initiated in the 1950s among British twin-cylinder motorcycles. Stemming from the Featherbed Models lineage, which progressed from the 500cc 88 to the 600cc 99 and later transformed into the 650SS and Manxman, the series culminated in the 750cc Atlas. Facing financial constraints to alter the 650SS crankcases, Norton opted to elongate the stroke, resulting in the Atlas—a long-stroke twin boasting remarkable torque and rapid acceleration but […]

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Bike Of The Day: Triton Cafe Racer

Mark Capayas — Sun, 21 Jan 2024 22:03:13 +0000

This Triton cafe racer, built over a two-year period and finalized in 2009, showcases a fusion of classic components. Its core features involve the integration of a customized 650cc parallel twin engine derived from a 1960 Triumph T120 Bonneville, seamlessly incorporated into a Featherbed frame sourced from a 1956 Norton Model 99 Dominator. Noteworthy additions to this exceptional build include a Triumph pre-unit gearbox with five-speed internals, a Suzuki GT750J front end, Hagon shocks, a meticulously replicated Seeley swingarm, Akront […]

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NeoRacer: Lord Drake Kustoms Ducati 999

Geoff Baldwin — Sun, 21 Jan 2024 05:32:25 +0000

Most of the custom motorcycles rolling out of the Lord Drake Kustoms workshop have been Harley-Davidson-based. Despite this, the Spanish workshop welcomes projects that buck that trend. One such opportunity presented itself when the owner of a 2003 Ducati 999 approached them in the hope of having his bike transformed into a modern take of a cafe racer. “It is very strange using racing motorcycles like this to carry out motorcycle customization work,” says Lord Drake Kustoms owner, Francisco Alí […]

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Bike Of The Day: 1977 Ducati 900SS Custom

Mark Capayas — Thu, 11 Jan 2024 20:59:23 +0000

In the 1990s, this 1977 Ducati 900 was modified using a C&J Precision Products frame and Fiber Systems fiberglass bodywork. The pearl white and green metallic finish, adorned with black pinstriping, graces the fiberglass body mounted on a C&J Precision Products’ red 4130 chrome-moly tube-frame. Notable features include a center stand, a wrap-around half fairing, a clear windscreen, street lighting, and a racing-style solo seat. The Marvic 18″ magnesium wheels in gold finish support Michelin Macadam 90X tires, while the […]

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Numero Otto: M-Cafe Garage Honda CX650

Geoff Baldwin — Thu, 11 Jan 2024 08:09:14 +0000

The Honda CX500 has been a hot fave in the custom scene for quite some time. But for some reason, the 500’s bigger sibling, the CX650, is often overlooked despite significant performance upgrades. Whether that’s to do with the more angular styling of the 650 or its availability we’ll never know, but what I do know is that if a custom CX650 is done right, I’d take it over a 500 any day. Take for instance this CX650 cafe racer […]

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Bike Of The Day: 1971 Honda CB450 Army Cafe

Mark Capayas — Sun, 07 Jan 2024 20:42:15 +0000

This 1971 Honda CB450 underwent extensive customization, highlighted by a shortened rear frame, green bodywork adorned with military-style tank graphics, and various component replacements. The modifications include a new seat, handlebar, right-side mirror, front brake master cylinder, hand controls, rear-set foot controls, copper accents, an aftermarket speedometer, and Progressive Suspension rear shocks. The green-finished bodywork, featuring military star graphics on the fuel tank, is complemented by a headlight guard, rear-set foot controls, integrated rear turn signals, and a brown-upholstered aftermarket […]

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